Prepare, Invite and Keep
Luke 2:1-14
Luke 2 contains the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus. From these sacred verses have come many life-changing books, songs and plays (to name a few), each praising the Miracle from the Manger of so long ago. A Miracle whose light and love still resonate throughout the world today…at least in the hearts of those who choose to Prepare, Invite and Keep Him room.
Sadly, there are still some “innkeepers” who are too busy, blinded, cramped and crowded by worldly things to make room or hear, let alone open their hearts, the gentle, genuine knocking of the Savior upon their door (Revelation 3:20).
While the scriptures do not fully reveal the real reason there was no room in the inn that night, nor do they chide the busy innkeeper (would he have saved a room if he knew Jesus was coming?), they do charge each of us with the challenge, “Let every heart prepare Him room.”
We’re each familiar with this line from the famous refrain, “Joy to the World.” And yet, is Christmas the only time when we prepare Him room? Perhaps it’s the most convenient, but then who are we preparing room for during the rest of the year? Do we let our hearts sit vacant?
Also, it is not only important to prepare Him room, but imperative to Invite Him in and then Keep preparing and inviting the whole year long. Because the Savior of the world (John 3:16-17) does not just want to be a vision or godly guest; He wants to be with us always (Romans 8:28-29).
When we prepare Him room, do we give Him our best room, or substitute a mangy manger out back?
Do we visit Him, check in on Him, or just give Him a room key and a checkout time? Some people have sealed off whole wings of their hearts from God—perhaps they don’t want to be hurt, or bear the responsibility of righteousness.
Others do well to prepare Him room with paintings (are our walls more worthy than our hearts?), bookshelves and coffee tables with the latest books and even bumper-stickers.
Everything is ready to receive Christ except for the one place He wants to be even more than on our walls, cars and bookshelves...our hearts.
May we each prepare Him room (our very best one) and invite Him in during this season of celebration of His birth on Earth and let Him stay the whole year. Because Christmas is only the beginning, the key that opens the door and invites Joy into the world.
Thus, if we truly want peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind, we must not only prepare Him room in our hearts during this Christmas season, but Invite and Keep Him in our hearts every other day of the year.
May we each experience the “wonders of His love” now and in all the days and years to come.